Arlington, VA – Today the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) repealed the 1975 ban on media cross ownership between a newspaper and broadcast or radio station in the same market. On a party-line vote, the Commission adopted the Order, which FCC Chairman Ajit Pai circulated in late October, granting the National Association of Broadcasters’ (NAB’s) Petition for Reconsideration of the previous Commission’s decision to leave the ban in place.

“We are extremely pleased with today’s decision by the FCC to repeal the ban on cross-ownership,” stated Alliance President & CEO, David Chavern. “This long-overdue decision recognizes the vastly different landscape that exists today, as compared to when the rule was created over 42 years ago.”

This decision by the FCC will allow for targeted investments, particularly necessary in local communities where citizens rely on the local newspaper to provide in-depth, original reporting. The Alliance supports identifying ways to create incentives to support a sustainable future for high-quality journalism.

Chavern added, “On behalf of my 2,000 media organizations, I thank Chairman Ajit Pai for his continued leadership and support of newspapers, as well as Commissioners O’Rielly and Carr for their votes in favor of today’s Order.”

The News Media Alliance is the lead plaintiff in the case before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the FCC’s previous ruling. This case has been requested to be held in abeyance.

###

The News Media Alliance is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 2,000 news organizations and their multiplatform businesses in the United States. Alliance members include print, digital and mobile publishers of original news content. Headquartered near Washington, D.C., in Arlington, Va., the association focuses on ensuring the future of news media through communication, research, advocacy and innovation. Information about the News Media Alliance (formerly NAA) can be found at www.newsmediaalliance.org.